Nigeria spends N100bn on imported fish annually – Fish farmers

AGENE GODWIN Benin

Although the production figure for catfish in Nigeria has grown from 83,000 metric tons in 2006 to over 900,000 metric tons in 2014, the Catfish Farmers Association of Nigeria (CAFAN) insists the figure is still a far cry from meeting the nation’s requirements.

National President of the body, Mr. Tayo Akingbolagun, speaking during the inauguration of the Edo State Chapter of the association, Thursday, in Benin,‎ said the steady growth of catfish production in Nigeria can be traced to the activities of the catfish farmers.

“The potential of aquaculture production in Nigeria is estimated at four million metric tons annually, consumption is about 2.66 million tons, while the total production is only 900,000 metric tons”, adding ‎about 1.44 million metric tons of fish is imported which translates to over N100 billion annually.

‎He said the farmers have over time been acting as positive catalyst through networking, organizing and execution of trade fairs and capacity building among others.

He also noted that Nigeria was blessed with enormous water resources suitable for any form of aquaculture, with, “‎an estimated area of 1.7 million hectares excluding marine and brackish water bodies available for aquaculture”.

Akingbolagun urged the newly inaugurated body to work together in harmony in other to surmount the challenges of the fisheries sector and promote group spirit and aquaculture best practices.

In his acceptance speech, the chairman of CAFAN, Edo chapter, Mr. Osuzwa Imafidon, thanked the National President of the association for accepting to inaugurate the association in the state.

He said he will help champion efforts that will make Edo State a leading player in the aqua-culture industry while protecting the interest of its members across the state.